HTM 491 – Leadership and Self SavvyMidterm/Spring 2012

Student Name: Kim Levaj

Name of Movie: Oceans 11 and 12

Instructions: Fill in the template on the next two slides. Use 10 point font. Fill in every sectionfor each of the 7 theories listed in the table. When finished, save the 3

slides as a pdf file. Print and bring a hard copy of the pdf file to class March 13.Post a pdf file of your midterm on your blog, but do not post until after classMarch 13. Post by noon March 14.

Grading: Based on clarity of ideas, being able to distinguish among the different theories based on the definitions/examples you provide. You must refer to

at least 4 characters (total overall, not in each example) in your examples. Remember to be specific and refer to the slides and articles throughout.

Theory Definition Scene Character Example

Explanation Using 10 pt. font, define the theory of collection of theories. Response should include information from the slides and/or the articles. Can include your opinion if backed up by evidence, but should not only be your opinion. Make sure to include the components of the theory if applicable. Do not provide examples here.

Describe the scene you will reference. Set up the situation to include where it occurs in the movie and the plot overall.

Describe the character and/or characters in order to give us a reference related to the situation you will reference.

Give a detailed example of the theory and tell us why this illustrates the theory. Refer to the definition and key components of the theory as much as possible. Be as specific as possible. It is okay to add your opinion if it is backed up by evidence you cite about the scene and character. Do not make the reader infer anything about the scene or character. For example, if you discuss intellectual stimulation as part of transformational leadership it should be defined.

Trait Based Theories

Trait Based Theories of leadership is the study that people inherit certain qualities (traits) that makes them better leaders. In this leadership theory, some characteristics and behaviors have been noticed in leaders.

Ocean’s Eleven:

Rusty tells Danny that he’s out – Danny is out because of conflict of interest. Min: 59:00.

Danny is the leader in the group, while Rusty has a second-man role. Now, Rusty is growing into a leader position.

In Trait Based Theories, certain traits are expected of a leader. As well as characteristics that are necessary for the role. As Danny is out of the “job” in the scene, Rusty naturally came to be the leader in the situation. Although the group had senior members, Rusty stepped up and took the position and lead the team by eliminating an important member in order to reach the goals.

Skills and Competencies (Use HTM Model)

A very important competency in leadership is professionalism. One that carries themselves as well as the group.

Ocean’s Eleven:

In this scene, there was a problem with the original plan to cut the electricity and a new way had to be found. Basher, the expert in the subject stepped up and suggested a solution. Min: 54:00

Basher is the the explosives-expert in the group. This is his area and he leads the group in the subject.

A competency for a good leader is the professionalism. In every situation professionalism is very important to you and your company. In the theory, professionalism refers to the way the leader steps up to the group. Leading by example and is ambitious for personal goals and goals of the organization/group.

Behavior Based Theories (Use MLQ or LPI)

In contrast to trait based theories, Behavior based theories suggest that leaders are made and not born with certain traits. In this theory, it is believed that people can learn to be leaders.

Ocean’s Twelve:

As Rusty and Danny are taken away by police during the “project”, Linus steps up to become the leader of the group.

Linus was the rookie in the group, he was mentored by Danny and Rusty to earn more responsibility.

Behavior Based Theories is focused on the shaping of a leader by experience and training. In this case, Linus is trained by the leaders to eventually grow into one himself.

Theory Definition Scene Character ExampleLeader/Member Exchange (LMX)

The Leader/Member Exchange Theory is based on that the leader and the follower develop a relationship of exchange. Through this exchange the motivation increases, but the leader has to decide the time and resource he/she wishes to be shared.

Ocean’s Eleven:

Linus and Danny in the elevator. Min: 1:16

Danny is the leader by roles, while Linus is the rookie who is now getting more responsibility.

The relationship between Danny and Linus has been developing since the start of the movie. Now, since Danny was out of the project, Linus had the opportunity to take his part. In exchange, Danny let him have the position but still met him in the elevator to join in.

Path/Goal Theory

The Path/Goal Theory of Leadership is focused on how efficiently a leader can motivate his followers towards a goal. There are several aspects of leaders in the Path/Goal Theory, but for this time we will look at the participative leader.

Ocean’s Eleven:

Danny presenting the project to the group. Min: 29:00.

Danny, who was just released for prison, has put together a crew to do the job. Here he is motivating the team toward a difficult goal.

In my opinion, Danny is a supportive leader. In the meeting in this scene, you can see that the team is interactive and that Danny is not an authoritarian leader. Member engage in the discussion and the leader seems to be very inviting to ideas by members.

Situational Leadership

The theory of Situational Leadership is that the leader in concern can choose necessary action based on various situations. It suggests that different kind of leaders are better suited for certain situations.

Ocean’s Eleven

Ocean’s Twleve

In this section, all main characters of the movie can be a fit.

The theory of Situational Leadership can be applied very easy to both Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve. This is easy because the members of the group all have their areas of expertise and can take the role of a leader in their area if the situation demands it.

Transform-ational Leadership

Transformational Leaders tend to be better motivators and aim to increase moral of the followers. Transformational Leadership is a style that focus on getting followers to reach their potential and performances, through the development of a connection. A connection between the leader, the follower, and the challenge on hand.

Ocean’s Twelve:

Linus had asked Rusty and Danny for more responsibility on the job, and is now given the opportunity; to meet Matsui. Min: 00:45.

Linus, a shy member of the group that has leadership potential. His first big meeting, with Matsui, an intimidating man.

Transformation Leaders pays more attention to the personal connection and the motivation aspect of the follower. Here, Linus wanted a bigger role in this project and was therefore motivated by being in the meeting. This way he felt empowered while Danny, the leader, had an opportunity to see Linus in a challenging situation.